Just bear in mind - as it is a beta, it's not final and could still be a little buggy. If you'd like to stick with the stable version, check out the standard Skype review instead!

Facebook integration has been improved in this version. Previously, you would have to create a Skype account and then log in with your Facebook account but now you can log in only using your Facebook account, which makes getting started with Skype much quicker.

Besides checking what your friends are up to on the Facebook Wall – which you could already do in the previous version – this new Skype lets you interact with their posts by liking or commenting on them, and more importantly, use Facebook chat right from Skype. In this way you can chat with your Facebook friends from a much more comfortable interface.

Skype Beta also offers a few details about your Facebook contacts, though if you want to check their complete profile you’ll need to open that up in the web browser. Also, if your friends have included their phone number in their Facebook profile, you’ll be able to call them via SkypeOut right away.

Besisdes Facebook integration, the new Skype Beta includes improved call controls, which are now larger, more elegant and easier to use, and the ability to share the screen in computers with more than one monitor. On the downside, this beta is quite heavy on system resources, and very unstable as well – we had lots of problems while making video calls during our tests.

In this newest version of Skype, users can log in with their Microsoft IDs and will be able to send messages to friends using Windows Messenger, Xbox, Hotmail or the new Outlook.com.

The new beta of Skype offers better call controls and an almost perfect integration with Facebook –but it’s still pretty unstable.

Download Skype 6.5.0.107 Beta in Softonic

Skype Portable is the standalone version of the popular VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) program that allows you call and talk to other Skype users, video chat and more for free over the internet.

Just like its desktop counterpart, Skype Portable lets you have voice chats on your computer – like telephone, only for free – and also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the so called SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype Portable also includes the standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have group video conferences.

These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype Portable's latest version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means Skype Portable has been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation. The new interface in Skype Portable is transformed when you make a call, getting rid of all the clutter, so you just see the video images, and controls.

The sound quality in Skype Portable during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video sometimes appeared a bit pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video, and the option to take a snapshot of your own image.

The other major development in Skype Portable is Facebook integration. This is a pretty big thing, as not only does it give you your news feed in the app - anyone can do that - but adds call and SMS buttons to any of your friends who share their contact numbers. If you’ve paid for Skype minutes, you can call your Facebook friends, and if they’re also signed in to Skype Portable you can call them for free. One of the best new features is the automatic call recovery - drop a call and it’s put in pause. Restarting it is now really easy.

Skype Portable is just like the desktop version: complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats; some handy improvements to the way you communicate online and no installation required!

Download Skype Portable 6.3.0.105 in Softonic

Features

With Skype you can not only have voice chats on your computer – just like telephone, only for free – but also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype also includes standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have group video conferences and share screens.

Usability

These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype's latest version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means it's been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation.

The new interface is transformed when you make a call, getting rid of all the clutter, so you just see the video images, and controls. Group video is still being tested in this version, and it's pretty cool.

The other major development is Facebook integration. This is a pretty big thing, as not only does it give you your news feed in the app - anyone can do that - but adds call and sms buttons to any of your friends who share their contact numbers.

If you’ve paid for Skype minutes, you can call your Facebook friends, and if they’re also signed in to Skype you can call them for free. One of the best new features is the automatic call recovery - drop a call and it’s put in pause. Restarting it is now really easy.

Quality

The sound quality during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video sometimes appeared a bit pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video, and the option to take a snapshot of your own image.

Conclusion

Skype 6 features a complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats, and also adds some handy improvements to the way you communicate online.

What's new

Log in with your Microsoft account
Select and pin your favorite contacts
Facebook and Skype contacts combined into one Contacts list
Easier to understand premium subscription notices
Possibility to control Skype video rendering technology for backward compatibility for people who have trouble with video calls

Download Skype 6.3.60.105 in Softonic

Skype for Business has the same features as the general public release, with the exception of a few details. In fact, the average user is unlikely to notice anything difference - only the Skype administrator will really see how it differs.

Skype for Business is easy to install, as it comes in an MSI file which is perfect for an extended number of computers. Above all, it offers more flexibility network administrators. From the Skype Manager homepage, you'll be able to log into your company account and manage the service from there. Employees using the service are known as Members, and they'll be able to join your network with new or existing Skype accounts.

Some of these features, for example, include allocation of credit, so your employees can call non-Skype numbers, or the disabling of calls to personal numbers. You can pay by a variety of methods, and can enable or disable auto-recharge. Once you've purchased credit, you can set about assigning features to different members. These features include call forwarding, subscriptions, voicemail and online numbers.

When it comes to the everyday basics of using Skype, you'll find that Skype for Business has all of the same features as the standard version. To find out more about them, read our Skype review!

Skype for Business is convincing. Average users get the service they are used to, while Skype administrators get flexible, professional control over use.

Download Skype for Business 6.1.32.129 in Softonic

Features

Lync has more features than you can shake a stick at. Microsoft has had years of experience creating a well-rounded chat client. Lync includes not only instant messaging but video conferencing and powerful collaboration tools.

Instant messaging works just as you'd expect. The current status of your contacts is displayed clearly next to their names. These statuses are integrated into Outlook as well so you know when someone is available to chat with.

Coferencing is one of the useful feathures of Lync. You can share audio, video, screens, as well as white boards and polls. New for this version of Lync is HD video. Microsoft is using H.264 SVC to make sure that video is broadcasted clearly in 1080p.

Usability

Voice and video calls have been overhauled to be stable and usable, even under poor network conditions. Microsoft has worked hard to overhaul the architecture of Lync to make as many features available as possible in the event of a network slow down or failure.

The interface has been completely redesigned to look more like Windows 8's Modern UI applications. Everything is flat, white, and blue. This makes for a somewhat monotonous look but you quickly addapt to it.

Lync is easy to use and all of its features are presented clearly. It doesn't take look to figure out how to do something, even if you've never used previous versions of Lync before. Hovering over a contact will reveal all of the ways you can communicate with him or her.

Lync takes a page out of Google's book by giving a great screen sharing experience where each of the of the video chat is displayed above the shared presentation. This makes it easy to gaguge the reaction of the virtual crowd.

Ecosystem and polish

It's all about the ecosystem these days and Microsoft is tackling that challenge with a complete ecosystem for Lync. There is even a Windows Phone 8 application that is excellent. There are plans for an Android and iOS version as well.

Microsoft knows that not all users will have Lync installed on each computer so they've put in extra work to create a web app for Lync. Any modern browser will allow users to log into their Lync. The web app includes the ability to have HD video conferences, VoIP, instant messanging and desktop sharing.

Last by not least, Microsoft has been vocal about integrating Lync with Skype. This means Lync users will have access to all of their Skype contacts.

Conclusion

While Microsoft is pushing consumers to use Skype, it is pushing corporate users to use Lync. That shouldn't be a problem though as Lync is one of the most well thought out chat clients out there today. There are a ton of excellent features and the interface is well done. It integrates flawlessly with other Microsoft products and the Lync ecosystem is satisfying to use.

Download Microsoft Lync 2013 15.0.4420.1017 in Softonic

If you're a frequent Skype user, you already know what a fantastic program Skype is. Along with instant messaging, Skype offers free video and audio calls to other PC users and low cost calls to mobile phones and landlines.

Messenger Plus! for Skype aims to improve your Skype experience through an easy to install and use sidebar on Skype's interface. Inconspicuous but easy to access on the left side of Skype's interface, Messenger Plus! for Skype is full of useful features such as a recorder for voice and video chats, animated icons and message history saving logs.

After installing Messenger Plus! for Skype, you'll need to authorize the add-on via the Skype notification that will appear the next time you log into your Skype account. Once done, the Messenger Plus! for Skype will appear on the left side of your Skype interface.

To record a call or a video, press the record button bar on the Messenger Plus! for Skype sidebar. You can stop recording at any time and open the folder with the recordings to access them. Everything is recorded with respectably high quality.

Messenger Plus! for Skype also includes animated emoticons, some of which are quite amusing. You can superimpose them on your video chat without any noticeable effect on the quality or speed of the call. Note that the person with whom you're speaking will only be able to see these animations if they also have Messenger Plus! for Skype installed though.

Without a doubt, Messenger Plus! for Skype is a fantastic add-on that'll enhance your Skype experience considerably.

Download Messenger Plus! for Skype 6.00.0.773 in Softonic

Download Pamela Basic 4.8.0.114 Basic Version in Softonic

Voip One click not only allows you to make normal Voip calls as can do Skype or Viber, VoiP One Click allows you to make secure encrypted phone calls!

Voip One Click is for business man who have employees all over the world, for families who call their distant relatives, and for the military, is for all those who want to communicate Sure!

Download Voip One Click 3.5.2 in Softonic

Voice Chat Spy Recorder has the following features: Record all sound in computer. Record sound from peripheral equipment. Password protection and absolutely stealth mode at runtime. Record sound on the fly without interruption.Record and save automatically. Aim at instant voice chat.

Voice Chat Spy Recorder can monitor and record what children talked online and and keep them away from Internet dangers and you can know what content your spouse chatted with others and find the truth. ???

Download Voice Chat Spy Recorder 3.26 in Softonic

With Skype Voice Changer, you can customize the funny sound emotions by yourself locally. And you are allowed to save the voice changing test out of a Skype call.

It is cute, clear, funny and easy to use. It can not only change your accent in Skype call, but also record the Skype call in high-quality audio formats. More than that, you can also send funny sound emotions to the contacts.

Skype user who wants to make fun of his/her friends and gain the new experience in using Skype.

Download AthTek Skype Voice Changer 2.2 in Softonic

In addition to the functions typical of a VOIP call via the Internet, Express Talk allows you to hold up to six simultaneous conversations, reduces background noise and can be configured to circumvent firewalls, record conference calls in MP3 format, identify incoming calls and store numbers.

You can configure up to six separate lines in Express Talk with the ability to put calls on hold. It supports video (H263, H261) for webcams or IP Phones and also integrates with Microsoft Address Book. Business users will however have to upgrade to the Business Edition which supports call transfers and allows up to 6 people to join one call using the Call Conferencing feature.

If you need something that offers a bit more than Skype or your normal VOIP service, Talk Express is a useful option for individuals and business users alike.

Download Express Talk 4.28 in Softonic

The instant messaging list on AIM has space for 500 friends and enables you to organize your chats and status messages easily. It also allows you to send bigger files than most IM services. AIM's video conferencing function is however much more hassle and it's not immediately obviously how to start a conference until you scroll through the menus. AIM also features it's own e-mail service although obviously, you need to sign up for an AOL account to use it which can turn into a long drawn out affair in itself.

There's no real advantage of using AOL's IM mail compared to others apart from the fact that it does feature a handy "unsend" function if you've sent an e-mail in error. Of course, there's the obligatory SMS function although this is limited to US users and if your phone supports it, you can also use AOL messenger on the move.

AIM is a bit of a disappointing effort from one of the originators of Instant Messaging but still has a few redeeming features that make it worth a try.

Download AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 1.0.1.2 in Softonic

DialDirectly for Skype allows the dialling of phone numbers and names via clipboard. Furthermore, DialDirectly offers the possibility of redialling the last number or name as well the last 10 automatically recorded numbers/names called.

DialDirectly enables a direct calling of landline and mobile phone numbers by customizable hotkeys via Skype. DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also to landline numbers and to cellular networks. With DialDirectly for Skype no manually typing of phone numbers is necessary anymore.

DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also landline and mobile phone numbers with Skype. With DialDirecly for Skype no phone number has to be typed manually anymore but can be called by individually defined hotkeys.

Download DialDirectly (for Skype™) 1.12.03.08 in Softonic

Similar to WhatsApp Messenger and Skype, Tango is primarily used on your PC to connect with Android and iPhone users. If your friends have Tango on their smartphones with data plans or Wi-Fi, you can call their phone for free without leaving your computer.

Tango's PC version interface is identical to the mobile version, with a default skin made to look like an iPhone. If that isn't to your preference, you can change this skin in the options.

Using Tango is simple. Add your phone number and the numbers of the friends you want to call. From there, you're just one simple click away from chatting.

Video and sound quality in Tango is impressive, although it might vary by device and connection. Tango's controls are also very simple. The options let you specify how you sort your contacts, let you set up the webcam, change Tango's skin and look for updates. Unfortunately, you can't do much more beyond that by way of customization.

With the ability to video and audio chat with friends' smartphones from the comfort of your PC, Tango is a welcome addition to communication apps.

Download Tango 1.6.14117 in Softonic

AthTek Skype Recorder Lite is the lower version of AthTek Skype Recorder - the most quality Skype call recorder. It has a smaller interface and the same high recording quality with AthTek Skype Recorder. More than that, it only costs less than 10 dollars for a lifetime lite license.

AthTek Skype Recorder Lite Version is mainly developed for private Skype users who want to take audio notes from the Skype calls.

Download AthTek Skype Recorder Lite 1.2 in Softonic

Of course, video and audio chatting are now possible in Facebook thanks to Skype integration and Facebook Video Chat simply offers an alternative way of doing it. It simply adds 4 extra icons to your Facebook chat dialog window - a webcam, a microphone, a games icon and a smiley.

The installation of Facebook Video Chat is a bit suspicious however. It tries to install the Babylon toolbar, make Babylon your default webpage and make Babylon your default search engine. However, even if you deselect the check boxes, it still places a Babylon installer on your desktop although doesn't appear to install any of the components.

When you've finished installation, your browser will open automatically with a message of congratulations telling you to log-into Facebook. If you're using Firefox, Facebook Video Chat also requires installing an add-on which it does automatically although this requires re-starting your browser afterwards.

To start a video chat using Facebook Video Chat, just open a conversation window with a contact and click on the webcam icon. A message will be sent to the recipient asking them to initiate a webchat. Obviously, this requires them to have a webcam installed or a speaker installed if you want to start an audio conversation.

The games icon prompts you to start a number of basic board games when clicked on such as chess, darts or snooker. Finally, the smiley icon simply sends a smiley to the recipient - not exactly sophisticated.

Facebook Video Chat isn't really necessary now that Skype is integrated with Facebook but if you're really having troubles with Facebook's integrated video and audio chat, it may be worth a try.

Download Facebook Video Chat 1 in Softonic

Skype Chat History
Skype Accounts
IM Conversation Logs

Unleash the knowledge trapped in Skype!

Search all your Skype Chat History with powerful search filtering options
Export Skype history into plain text format
Backup Skype accounts and Skype conversation history
Transfer Skype accounts or Restore Skype accounts or conversation history to other computers
Manage multiple Skype accounts and Skype chat history across multiple computers

Download Kudos Chat Search for Skype 2.0 in Softonic

For example, you may want to connect your personal account and your business account at the same time which you can do with Multi Skype Launcher if you have more than one webcam and microphone.

Before using Skype Multi Launcher, you have to configure it. The first step is to add several accounts with the Add button. To connect to one of them, select it and click Launch. Multi Skype Skype Launcher will then automatically connect as many accounts as you've added simultaneously.

Note that Skype Multi Launcher does not alter any of Skype's files - it is simply a patch which modifies the application's behavior and can be removed easily by uninstalling it as you would any other program.

Multi Skype Launcher is an excellent solution for anyone that needs to connect two Skype accounts.

Download Multi Skype Launcher 1.8 in Softonic

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